Thievery or giving back? The challenges and potentials of using theatre to disseminate ethnomusicological research | Intellect Skip to content
1981
Volume 14, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 1750-3159
  • E-ISSN: 1750-3167

Abstract

In 2004, ethnomusicologist Anne Lederman premiered , an ethnodrama based on her research in Ojibwe and Métis communities in Manitoba, Canada. Told from the point of view of the researcher, the play – mixing narrative with live fiddling – provides a compelling glimpse into the music tradition of these communities. It is also a fascinating example of ethnomusicological research translated for a non-academic audience. Using as a case study, this essay considers the challenges and potentials of bringing ethnodrama to ethnomusicology, or alternatively, ethnomusicology to ethnodrama. I argue that, if done with an eye to ethical relationships, ethnodrama can provide a dynamic means of disseminating music research. More importantly, it can engage communities in research and dissemination, in a sense, giving back that which was taken through research.

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2020-04-01
2024-04-28
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